Full Name: Nathan Benjamin Aké
Date of Birth: 18 February 1995
Place of Birth: The Hague, Netherlands
Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s): Centre-half / Left-back
Current Club: Man City
Jersey Number 6
While many footballers hail from various corners of the globe, few have roots as deeply embedded in The Hague, a vibrant city in the heart of the Netherlands. Here, Nathan Aké's love for football first ignited, shaping his journey from a young hopeful to a seasoned professional.
Amidst the charming canals and bustling streets, Aké's career unfolded, marked by resolve and unparalleled skill. Rather than delving into the debates that fans love, we will explore his career highlights. Aké emerges as a top professional with an exuberant vibe still propelling him forward. Join us as we uncover intriguing facts about the Dutchman, now a stalwart in the football world.
Below Are 11 Interesting Nathan Ake Facts From Childhood in The Netherlands
1. He Has a Mixed Ivorian and Dutch Heritage
Nathan Aké's heritage is a blend of different cultures. His father, Moise Aké, hails from the Ivory Coast, while his mother, Ineke Telder, is Dutch. This mixed background has contributed to his unique perspective and identity, enriching his life within and beyond the game.
2. His Football Career Started at ADO Den Haag's Youth Academy
Aké started his football journey at ADO Den Haag's youth academy at age 8. ADO Den Haag, a prominent Dutch football club based in The Hague, nurtured his talents from 2003 to 2007. At age 12, Aké joined Feyenoord's youth system, where he continued his development for another three years before moving to Chelsea's youth academy in 2011.
3. He Advanced into Chelsea FC's Senior Side in 2011
Nathan Aké progressed from Chelsea's academy to the senior team in 2011. As a 17-year-old, he made his Premier League debut on December 26, 2012, substituting for Juan Mata in added time to help secure a 1-0 win against Norwich City. Aké made his first start for Chelsea on February 27, 2013, in a 2-0 FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough.
4. He Was Voted Chelsea's Young Player of the Year in 2013
In recognition of his promising talent and hard work, Nathan Aké was voted Chelsea's Young Player of the Year on May 16, 2013. Following this accolade, he signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea at the start of the 2013-14 season on August 8, 2013, solidifying his place in the club's future endeavours.
5. He Has Had Several Loan Spells
Aké's career includes several important loan spells that provided him crucial game time and experience. On March 25, 2015, he was loaned to Reading, making five appearances. In August 2015, he joined Watford on a season-long loan, where he played as a left-back and was named Watford's Young Player of the Season.
In June 2016, Aké joined AFC Bournemouth on loan for the 2016-17 season, where he impressed with his performances, scoring crucial goals and playing a key role in the team. Notably, he scored the winning goal in the final minutes of a 4-3 thriller against Liverpool, marking his third Premier League goal and his second against the Reds.
6. He Signed Permanently for Bournemouth Before Man City Came Calling
After a successful loan spell, the versatile defender signed permanently for Bournemouth. He continued to excel, which caught the attention of Manchester City. On August 5, 2020, Aké joined the Cityzens on a five-year deal for a transfer fee of £41 million.
He debuted on September 21, 2020, in a 3-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers and scored his first goal for the club on September 27, 2020, against Leicester City. Since joining City, he has secured 4 Premier League titles, an FA Cup, an EFL Cup, a UEFA Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
7. He Is a Teetotaller
Nathan Aké is a teetotaller, choosing not to consume alcohol. This decision reflects his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition and a healthy lifestyle, both essential for his demanding career as a professional athlete.
8. He is the Man City's First Player to Score at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Nathan Aké made history by becoming Manchester City's first player to score at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He achieved this milestone in a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round on January 26, 2024, further cementing his legacy at the club.
9. He Could Have Represented Ivory Coast But Chose the Netherlands
Despite being eligible to represent Ivory Coast through his father, Aké chose to play for the Netherlands. The Hague-born lad has represented the Dutch national team at every youth level since his under-15 debut in 2009.
Aké made his senior international debut in 2017 in a friendly against Morocco and scored his first international goal in 2018 against Italy. He was part of the Netherlands squad for UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the UEFA Euro 2024.
10. He Is a Versatile Player
Nathan Aké earns acclaim for his dynamic versatility across various positions on the field. Excelling as a left full-back, centre-back, and defensive midfielder, he demonstrates adaptability and tactical nous. Renowned for his precise passing, astute game reading, and robust physicality, Aké's composure under pressure invites comparisons to Dutch legend Ruud Gullit. His prowess in aerial battles and pivotal defensive contributions underscore his significant impact and value to any team.
11. Nathan Aké is committed to Wife and Family Life
Many wonder if Nathan Aké has a wife. Yes, he does. He married his childhood sweetheart, Kaylee Ramman, in the summer of 2022 on Majorca's San Marroig estate, attended by current and ex-teammates like Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
Their picturesque beach wedding was followed by the birth of their first child a few months later. It marked a new and joyous chapter in his life and highlighted Aké's dedication to family alongside his professional football career.